Getting a date for surgery

Hospitals see patients in the order of how urgent their condition is. This means patients with an immediate or life threatening illness or injury will be seen before patients with less serious problems.

We make every effort to see patients for their scheduled appointment or surgery, but sometimes emergencies mean we have to reschedule.

If your appointment or surgery is rescheduled, we’ll let you know as soon as possible and fit you in at the earliest available time.

Before your surgery

Before your surgery, you’ll have a pre-admission appointment to prepare you for your stay in hospital.

You’ll probably see the following specialists.

• An anaesthetist will ask you about your health, any past anaesthetics, and will make sure you’re well enough to have an anaesthetic
• A resident medical officer is part of the surgical team who will give you a medical examination
• A registered nurse will check your temperature, blood pressure, height and weight
• A pharmacist will look at your current medicines and ask if you’ve had allergic reactions to any medicines in the past

You can ask these specialists any questions about your operation and recovery. They’ll be happy to talk to you about any part of your treatment.

How much will it cost?

Clinics and most of your hospital care are free if you have a Medicare card. You’ll need to bring your card to each appointment.

If you’re not eligible for Medicareyou’ll need to pay for all outpatient services.

You may be charged for some items you need as part of your treatment, including:

• dental services
• glasses
• hearing aids
• surgical supplies
• prostheses
• pharmaceuticals
• home oxygen
• other aids and appliances.

Read more about Health costs, insurance and financial support.

If you need to travel to your appointment, you may be able to get the Patient Travel Subsidy Scheme.